Introduction
Today, we’re diving into 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon. This is the fourth in a lineup of five 1792 bourbons we’re drinking to end Season 7 of the podcast, after 1792 High Rye, 1792 Sweet Wheat and 1792 Small Batch.
Let’s be upfront: our recent experiences with the 1792 brand have been underwhelming. Brad and I have had a string of disappointments, but we’re hoping this Single Barrel offering can turn things around. This bourbon comes in at 98.6 proof (49.3% ABV), which has been diluted down from barrel strength. While we’re curious about how this one will stack up, it’s worth noting that we’re dealing with a sample that’s been on the shelf for a while, so here’s hoping it still holds up.
The following review is taken from our episode “The 39 Steps / 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon.” Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: I was pleasantly surprised by the nose on this one. It’s got a mix of bubble gum, caramel, and vanilla that’s rich and enticing. It even reminds me of those birthday cake-flavored Timbits with sprinkles inside. Overall, I’m giving the nose an 8/10.
Bob: I didn’t have as much luck. For me, it was dominated by oak, and I even picked up a salty, meaty note that threw me off. After a few minutes, some vanilla started to come through, but the oakiness remained overpowering. I’m giving it a 6/10.
Taste
Brad: The palate carries forward a lot of vanilla, almost like vanilla extract. There’s some nuttiness, caramel, and that cake-like sweetness turns into something more akin to cheap white frosting. It’s a solid but not spectacular palate, so I’m landing at 7.5/10.
Bob: I enjoyed the palate more than the nose. It starts with a sugary sweetness of vanilla and caramel, followed by a nice heat that builds as you swallow. The finish was a big surprise, with a burst of cinnamon and oak that gave this bourbon the backbone I felt the others were missing. I’m also giving it a 7.5/10.
Finish
Brad: The finish continues with the same general flavors from the palate—oak, vanilla, and a touch of maraschino cherry. What stood out to me was how these flavors lingered, though not as long as I might have hoped. It’s a fairly straightforward finish, but it holds up well enough without any major off-notes. There’s a bit of that cherry sweetness that I find in many wheated bourbons, but here, it’s more like a faint echo rather than a dominant note. The finish isn’t particularly complex, but it’s pleasant enough to round out the drinking experience. I’ll give it a 7.5/10.
Bob: I found the finish to be the highlight of this whiskey. It builds on the palate’s warmth, with the cinnamon and oak becoming more pronounced as it goes down. What really impressed me was the way the flavors intensified rather than tapering off. There’s a solid, lingering heat that reminds you you’re drinking something a bit more robust, even at under 100 proof. I also noticed a slight herbal quality that added an interesting twist right at the end. For me, the finish is the strongest part of this bourbon, and I’m giving it an 8/10.




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